[Problems and difficulties in adapting period in infants and children after massive intestinal resection].

In the period of intestinal adaptation following massive resection of intestine, patients have several difficulties and problems. This study was done in 17 survivals of 31 infants and children received massive intestinal resection (residual intestine; less than 75 cm) between 1966-1987 to define these problems and difficulties. 1) Postoperative hepatic dysfunction occurred in 11 of the 17 survivals. The relationship between relapsing frequency of hepatic dysfunction and length of remaining ileal segment suggested that the reduced ileal length may be one of the etiologic factors of the hepatic dysfunction. 2) Evaluation of serum bile acid levels suggested that the disturbance of bile acid reabsorption and its rapid turn over might still remain even after catch-up growth of these patients. 3) Abnormal levels of serum minerals (Ca, InP, Mg, Zn and Cu) were observed in 4 cases during TPN, and these abnormalities disappeared by discontinuation of parenteral nutrition and beginning of oral feeding. 4) Serum vitamin levels (Vit.A, Vit.E, 25-OH-D3, and Vit.B12) still remained in abnormal even after the patients reached school age. These results suggested that very long-term nutritional cares, especially in lipid and vitamin nutrition, are necessary for the children with massive intestinal resection.